In Memory of Philip K. Russell (1932 – 2021)
After dedicating his life to protecting people from infectious diseases, Dr Philip K. Russell passed away on January 21, 2021.
“We have lost a research leader not only in tropical diseases but also in malaria and child vaccines”, says Regina Rabinovich, chair of MESA, “In addition to his remarkable career, his steadfast dedication to the fight against infectious diseases made Phil a source of inspiration and admiration for many of us”.
Known for his work on a wide range of viral and parasitic diseases -including malaria- Dr Russell contributed to the development of several vaccines: meningitis, adenovirus, and hepatitis A and B. With more than 100 authored or co-authored research publications, he was the founding President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute in 1993, and he had been a member of many of the great health institutions worldwide, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Vaccine Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control or the National Institutes of Health, among many others. His work was also instrumental in creating and advising the Malaria Vaccine Initiative.
Philip Russell worked hard in his commitment towards improving health through safe and effective vaccines until the last moment. His death arrived one week before his 89th birthday, a few months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Please, visit Sabin Vaccine Institute website to know more about his life and achievements.
